11/20

Hebrews 11:19

¹⁹He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice the son of his old age. At the time, other religions of the area sacrificed their children to show their dedication to their gods. God had previously promised Abraham that through his son Isaac would come descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abraham reasoned that God would keep that promise by raising Isaac from death. God stopped Abraham before he could lower the knife and provided a ram for a sacrifice. Abraham had passed a great test of faith.

Abraham's belief in resurrection was not the only one we find in the Scriptures. Job believed that after his body decayed in the earth, he would see God (Job 19:26). Elijah and Elisha each raised a boy from death by the power of God (1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:35). King David predicted Jesus ("your holy One") would rise from death (Psalm 16:10). Isaiah predicted the same (Isaiah 53:10-12). Jesus raised three people from death during the years of His earthly ministry. The most significant of them was Lazarus (John 11:43-44). Jesus was the first to rise to a transformed body (1 Corinthians 15:20).

God greatly blessed Abraham for his faith because He trusted God to keep His word even if it meant raising Isaac from death. We also believe by faith that God will raise up our bodies, transforming them into eternal dwellings. We join a long line of people of faith who trust God for a future bodily resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). We will see those loved ones who have gone before us. Oour own eyes will see our Savior and King.

Consider: Most people believe this life is all there is. It is no wonder they are so depressed and try to satisfy themselves with the things of the world. We have the glorious hope of resurrection and the sure Word of God that guarantees it!